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Are there any over-the-counter drugs to help me stop smoking?

Over-the-counter nicotine patches and nicotine gum (brand name >Nicorette) are effective aids for quitting smoking. There is now a nicotine lozenge as well, called Commit. These products prevent or relieve symptoms of nicotine withdrawal, including anxiety, irritability, trouble concentrating, and nicotine craving. Be sure not to smoke when using these products. Doing so can cause side effects, such as increased blood pressure, nervousness, and rapid heartbeat.

Studies show that when they received counseling or group therapy, 22 percent of people who used nicotine patches quit smoking. Similarly, 18 percent of people quit smoking with nicotine gum. Nicotine products don't work as well without counseling or group therapy. Studies show that combining a nicotine patch with either a prescription nicotine nasal spray (>Nicotrol NS) or with another prescription medicine called bupropion (brand name >Zyban) can increase the chance of quitting successfully.

You typically need to wear nicotine patches for at least six to ten weeks after you stop smoking. Some people may use the patches for up to 20 weeks. You usually take nicotine gum for at least two to three months, but no longer than 12 months. You should stop using the lozenge after 12 weeks unless your doctor feels you need to use them for a longer period of time.

Prescription drugs are another option to help people quit smoking. Your choice of stop-smoking aids may be based on a variety of factors, including possible interactions with other medications, what products are covered by your health insurance, and what products have worked for you in the past. For help choosing the product that's right for you, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or tobacco cessation counselor.

Sources:
The AHCPR Smoking Cessation Clinical Practice Guideline, Journal of the American Medical Association 275 (1996).
Blondal T. “Nicotine Nasal Spray with Nicotine Patch for Smoking Cessation: Randomised Trial with 6Year Follow Up,” British Medical Journal 318 (1999).
Jorenby DE. “A Controlled Trial of Sustained-Release Bupropion, a Nicotine Patch, or Both for Smoking Cessation,” The New England Journal of Medicine 340 (1999).
Kaye L. "Pharmacologic and Behavioral Approaches to Smoking Cessation," Hospital Medicine 34(1998).
Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs. American Pharmaceutical Association, 2000.
Drug Facts and Comparisons. Facts & Comparisons, 2007.

This answer prepared 8/9/2001.
This information updated 1/3/2007.